Thread by @Abdimaleik

Thread On #Jubaland :

Background info and geopolitical history of post civil war Jubaland in a nutshell.

#Jubaland is important b/c of :

- Proximity to Kenya (maritime dispute area entirely lies here)

- Resources

- Security wise - the only region in #Somalia where a complete province is under the full grip of AS.

- Cosmopolitan nature - rich in diversity

Jubaland constitutes 3 administrative regions / provinces:

1. Gedo; HQ- Garbaharey
2. Lower Jubba (Jubbada Hoose); HQ- Kismayo
3. Middle Jubba (Jubbada Dhexe); HQ - Bu'ale.

Other big towns are Bardere, Jilib, Afmadow & the commercial border towns of Beled Hawa and Dobley.

Timeline of major historical events post civil war,

- Following the collapse of the central government, Gen.Mohamed Said Hersi 'Morgan' former Minister of Defense) captured #Jubaland in 1998 after heavy fighting among the different warring clan-based factions

- Opponents of Gen. Morgan subsequently united under the Allied Somali Forces (ASF), seizing control of Kismayo by June 1999. They were led by Col. Bare Hirale.

The ASF later renamed itself the Juba Valley Alliance in 2001 with the support of forces from Galgadud region.

- In 2006, the Islamic Courts Union (Maxkamadaha) (ICU) assumed control of Jubaland and ousted the Jubba Valley Alliance.

They would stay in control upto until 2011.

Timeline of the formation of modern day #Jubaland

- On the 3rd of April 2011, a new autonomous Jubaland administration referred to as Azania led by Mohamed Abdi (Gandi) came into being.

Gandi is a former Minister of Defense, Somalia.

... Azania was a name given to Somalia more than 2.5 K yrs ago by Egyptian sailors.

The word has a bearing in Arabic and it means "the land of plenty".

- The Kenyan military enter into #Somalia in 2011.

Pres. Sharif Ahmed expressed reservations about the deployment of Kenya's troops mainly on its perceived involvement in the Jubaland initiative.

He would later on agree after talks with #Kenya.

- On April 2013, delegates at #Kismayo conference were presented with a draft provisional constitution ( prepared by a team of experts led by the late @HoshAbdi, which they overwhelmingly approved.

- On May 2013, an overwhelming majority of 500 delegates elected Ahmed Islam  (Madobe) as the President of interim #Jubaland state.

This election attracted almost equal levels of criticisms & support.

- In the same month (May, 2013) Pres. Hassan Sh. Moh'ud and his govt through the federal parliament declared the formation of #Jubaland & its process 'unconstitutional'.

This move was rejected by the organisers of the Jubaland conference.

- June 2013: a fierce fighting between Raskamboni group ( loyal to Ahmed Madobe) and militias loyal to Bare Hirale (former Defence Minister) claimed more than 7 lives..

This followed a fierce fighting b/w Raskomboni & gunmen loyal to Iftin Basto weeks earlier.

After he was overpowered Iftin went ahead and claimed to be the regions president.

He would later on befriend Madobe and secure a seat in the Upper House of Parliament.

- August 2013: FGS representative, Farah Sh. Abdulkadir and #Jubaland administration representative Ahmed Madobe exchanging copies of a peace deal that was reached in #Addisababa after weeks long deliberations that was brokered by IGAD..

Key highlights in the #Addisababa peace deal:

- Management of revenues from Kismayu port and airport
- Recognition of #Jubaland administration by the Federal government
- Security partnership & reintegration of militias

On September 2014, Pres. Hassan Sheikh officially opened a reconciliation conference in Kismayo.

The summit was aimed at easing the tension created by the long stand off between the different political groups in #Jubaland. Delegates from across the nation and diaspora attended

In February 2015, the Interim #Jubaland Administration began the selection process for the members of the new regional parliament.

A 75 member parliament that includes 10 members reserved for the president (nomination).

On April 2015, a new 75-seat chamber of #Jubaland parliament was inaugurated at an official ceremony at in Kismayo.

Sheikh Abdi Yusuf was therein elected as the interim speaker.

August 2015: Ahmed Madobe was elected for 4 more years by members of the regional parliament.

He reportedly managed to secure an absolute majority vote against 1 competitor.

Oct 2017: Ahmed Madobe led his regional counterparts in the formation of Council of Interstate Cooperation (CIC).

He hosted the declaration meeting in Kismayo.

March 2019: Ahmed Madobe appoints a 7 member Independent Boundaries & Elections Commission.

A number of candidates cited serious concerns on the selection process but it now seems to be a game that has ended.

The commission this week rolled out a tentative 2 months long schedule for the #Jubaland region elections.

Disclaimer: All photos courtesy of Google.

Dates of events: I stand to be corrected (if I messed up any of them)

Check out my next thread where I will share my thoughts on best practices for the transition period of #Jubaland & recommendations for the different stakeholders.

Just in:

Ministry of Interior & Federal Affairs -FGS issued a statement on the guidelines of the #Jubaland elections.

Key points:
- Venue- UN Campound
- Register of traditional elders to be verified
- Women to get at least 1/3 of the total MPs

Strict measures but fair to all.